The Catholic media is up in arms over comments President Obama made during a speech while in Northern Ireland for the G8 summit. Obama made what is described as “an alarming call for an end to Catholic education,” in spite of the fact that it is considered “a critical component of the Church.”

Fr. John ZuhlsdorfPhoto credit: Facebook

In front of an audience of about 2,000 young people, including many Catholics, Obama claimed that Catholic education divides people and blocks peace, according to the Scottish Catholic Observer.

“If towns remain divided—if Catholics have their schools and buildings and Protestants have theirs, if we can’t see ourselves in one another and fear or resentment are allowed to harden—that too encourages division and discourages cooperation,” Obama said.

Ironically, President Obama made his comments just as Archbishop Gerhard Müller, the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, told a crowd in Scotland that religious education upholds the dignity of the human person. Archbishop Müller said that Catholic schools should promote “all that is good in the philosophies of societies and human culture.”

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf quoted the Observer’s article on Fr. Z’s blog and added:

Another example of what this man wants: total isolation of any religious values in the private sphere alone. Pres. Obama is working either to intimidate or legislate or even TAX religious freedom out of the public square.

Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a foreign visit to a Islamic nation where he told people on his arrival that they shouldn’t have madrasas. Can you?

Did he when visiting, say, Israel, say “You Jews shouldn’t have synagogue schools and you muslims shouldn’t have mosque schools.” I can’t remember. Did he?

Each of the articles drew numerous public comments, most suggesting that Obama be more concerned about the public schools in the United States than their parochial schools, which are working just fine.

Hmmmmm – I didn’t remember Obama calling out the Madrasa?Arabic: مدرسة‎, madrasah pl. مدارس, madāris) The Muslim schools which teach hate, intolerance, violence ….not to mention the war on women, Jews, Christians, and they also tolerate pedophilia.

Hey BHO…..gives us your thoughts on that….ohhhh, forgot you attended one for several years in Indonesia.

Michael Nappi

We're sorry, Obama is offensive to us too. Unfortunately we have been invaded by this Muslim prick…can you help us?

Lee

Unfortunately we have a president that is Godless and Gutless. Had the 47% of takers in this nation made any attempt to see what they were voting for they might have noticed that he would turn on them at the first opportunity also.

He's a national embarrassment and his wife is just as bad.

http://Bizpac Ted

Mike. Did it hurt? Sorry, couldn't just let it go.

Rifraffe

Not everyone is as willing to bend over as you are Ted.

JIM MC CORMACK

He shows his Muslim and Communist background more every day. An elitist snob who is phony as a snake oil salesman.

Nancy

Thanks Jim, Lee, and Michael. I agree with you 100%.

http://grumpyelder.com/ Grumpy

I'm not KB — Just Obama showing his hatred for the US Constitution and Religious freedom again..

Doesn't seem to be much about this in our media yet.. Not a surprise really…

Basilio

This is for Catholics who voted for Obama., And not voted for Mr Roney because it is Mormon

Rich, Bush loved our Country in spite of all the wrongs he did, and this I wannta be my Muslim buddy's best friend is insane and Obama actually hates America and is trying to destroy us from within and he is doing a dam good job at doing it so, just wake up and look around you and learn something new.

I didn't care for Bush but, he was a God Fearing man PS: and our Muslim Loving President hates America and is trying to get even for wrongs we do not do. so, I will give you one Obama in exchange for a dozen Bushes. GOD BLESS AMERICA AN IT FROM OUR MUSIM PRESIDENT. AMEN.

Rich

I am also a God fearing man. No one was policing Bush when he was in office. If you don't hold your elected officials accountable this is what happens.

If you want to hear the truth from a veteran conservative appointed by President Reagan listen to my show today at 2 p.m. It is a repeat of yesterday's show. My guest was a very conservative and religious Phyllis Schlafly from the eagle forum. Her shows are heard on over 600 conservative stations.

You don't know what you are saying! Obviously he has blinded you. Obama hates Americans and he hates this country. He hates anything that resembles Christian religion. His alligence is to the Muslim Brotherhood. He is a traitor to the United States of America!

Basilio

Mr Obama because they do not speak to their Muslim friends, they leave in their schools, preach. Hatred of Christian infidels

http://Bizpac Ted

President Obama has a point. This message should be dramatically obvious for Northern Ireland. Over he last 100 year, starting well before World War 1, religious strife has killed thousands. The Catholics backed the Irish Republican Army. The Protestants, backed the British part of the Northern Ireland majority. Lots of violence. From my own experience. I've seen that sometimes religious instructions seems to teach intolerance of other religions. That particular history, we are seeing a lot of today, in may areas. Northern Ireland has come a long way from religious intolerance from the past and have been relatively peaceful for the past two decades. I'm surprised that the normally give and take Irish would be so sensitive. Its probably the British, who have some funny religious histories of their own.

Eric G

Ted-

I am a student of history and can appreciate your historical references when posting your comments. Although I may disagree with some of your interpretations of past events, in the spirit of having an open mind your viewpoints should be read without personal attacks. With that said, I have found that although you point to history to make your points, you do not address the immediate event that is posted on this website. Yes, the Catholics and Protestants waged a bloody war in Ireland for decades and innocent people were killed in the process. But that is NOT what this blog is about. It points out Obama's selective positions on issues when it suits his personal agenda. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf makes an excellent point in his blog. If you wish to earn the respect from those of us who do approach current events with an open mind, you must not cherry pick items to prove your point. This administration has shown time and time again that it is AFRAID and UNWILLING to address the problems associated with extreme Muslim views. Why did President Obama not condemn the centuries old war between the Sunni and the Shia? If you do know your history, you are aware that since the Prophet Mohammad’s death in 632 A.D., the Muslim religion split into opposing groups who have been killing each other within days after he died. Where is Obama's outrage about this? Why has he NEVER said a word about it when visiting a Muslim country? I await your open minded response. One final note-I have been a registered independent since the day I turned 18 and in every presidential election since Ronald Reagan's 2nd term I voted Democrat until 2008.

http://Hai Patroit

I TOO HAVE BEEN A DEMOCRATIC VOTER FOR OVER 5O YEARS BUT I CANNOT NOT STAND BY A LYING PIECE OF CRAP.

SKT

The arrogance of this man astounds me. I think he honestly believes he has the right to tell these other countries what to do, how to live, and what to believe. I just pray we make it through the rest of his regime intact.

http://Hai Patroit

Obama was to elected to screw up America but, if I was a British subject, I would tell this crazy arrogant Muslim loving man, to go shut down those Mosques he gave millions of dollars to, so, they could rebuild their old run down Mosques

Our idiot President Is slowly destroying America both financially and morally an now, this Muslim monster like creature is wanting to do the same thing to our allies, Britians, please, please kick his a– out before he hurts and mangles up your country too.